Dragonflies
Dragonflies are the raptors of the insect world.
To us humans, the brightly coloured creatures are an integral part of summer, flitting across ponds and rivers on pleasant afternoons. But to other insects - and even small fish - the dragonflies are a voracious hunter from the time it first hatches as aquatic larvae to its peak as a flying adult.
Dragonflies are widespread throughout the UK
This militant behaviour is understandable when you consider that the dragonflies' predecessors stalked the earth almost 300 million years ago, pre-dating birds by some 150 million years. Today, dragonflies are still widespread throughout the UK, especially in the southern counties. During the breeding season they stay close to waterways such as canals, rivers and ponds but at other times they can be spotted almost anywhere, in woods, gardens or even houses. Some species have a specific set of requirements to breed and flourish, and they tend to accumulate in one geographical area. Thus the Norfolk Hawker is most often found in or around Norfolk.
Dragonflies have a 2-stage life cycle
Dragonflies are unusual in that they have only a 2-stage life cycle. They transform directly from larvae into adults, missing out the pupa stage common to most insects including butterflies and moths. When ready to hatch, the larva will climb onto the stem of a nearby plant, using its hooked feet, and hang out in the sun until it emerges as an adult. The first few hours of adult life are fraught with danger, as the dragonfly is exposed and vulnerable until its wings harden for flight. However, once up in the skies the dragonfly will resume its natural role as a top predator in the insect world.
Find out more about dragonflies from the British Dragonfly Society.
Facts
Appearance: Long and thick bodies with four broad wings and two large eyes which take up most of the head. If you look closely at the face you may well be taken back by the surprisingly large jaws. The dragonflies' spectacular jewel-like colour develops gradually a few days into adult life.
Size: Up to 7.5cm.
Lifespan: The dragonfly spends most of its life as larvae, spending 1-3 years underwater. Flying adults have a relatively short life span. If lucky, they can survive for six or seven months in warm and dry climes. In the UK adults rarely live for more than a few weeks.
Diet: Larvae prey on aquatic insects, tadpoles and small fish. They have even been known to hunt creatures as large as sticklebacks. Adults eat airborne insects and large species can catch prey as large as damselflies.
Family: Dragonflies belong to the insect order Odonata, which means 'toothed jaws'.
Did you know?
- There are 39 species of dragonfly and damselfly in the UK
- It can be difficult to tell the damselfly and the dragonfly apart. Damselflies are smaller and daintier. Their eyes protrude from the sides of their heads as if on stalks. When resting, damselflies fold their wings along their backs where as dragonflies stretch their wings outwards
- 300 million years ago dragonflies had a wingspan of up to 75cm
- When flying, dragonflies can reach speeds of 30mph
- Dragonflies are completely harmless to humans. In fact they are very easy to handle and will readily perch on a finger without biting or stinging
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